I started my work at CPG investigating the underlying regulatory mechanisms on both molecular and genetic levels to gain a full spectrum of understanding of the genetic basis of schizophrenia (SZ). Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as a model of mental disorder, I have analyzed open chromatin dynamics during hiPSC differentiation into neurons by Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-Seq). By further analyzing the chromatin accessibility to transcription factors in each cell stage, I have identified cell stage-specific transcriptional networks that drive neuronal differentiation. Building upon Dr. Duan’s recent finding that open chromatin profiles in hiPSC neurons can help prioritize putative functional non-coding variants associated with SZ and highlight neurodevelopmental loci; I have also used allele-specific open chromatin as an SNP functional readout to systematically identify putatively functional SZ GWAS variants, combining with droplet single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to study the functional effects of genetic/epigenomic perturbation of disease risk sequences at the resolution of the single- cell transcriptome. More recently, I have started to collect and analyze data using the single-cell multi-omics approach, which allows pairing the open chromatin profile (ATAC-seq) and gene expression profile (RNA-seq) at the single-cell level for more sophisticated analysis.

My ongoing research also includes deciphering the neural basis of alcohol use disorders using human and mouse neurons. We have prepared stem cells from people with addiction-associated gene variations, converted them to neurons, and we are now examining how these human neurons respond to alcohol. We propose to use these human and mouse neurons carrying the same gene variants to ask specific questions about these cellular processes and interactions to find methods to help people control drinking behavior.

A a complete list of my publications can be found in my bibliography

SZhang [at] northshore [dot] org

I Joined the lab in 2014. My focus in the lab is invesgating the functions of psychiatric disorders’ relevant risk variants by combining CRISPR editing, next-gen sequencing and single-cell technologies in iPSC models.

MSc. Biotechnology – Northwestern University.
BSc. Biology – Peking University.

Email: HZhang [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a research assistant in Dr. Duan’s Lab, where my primary responsibility is to process and analyze data collected to study neural stimulation in the functional interpretation of neuropsychiatric risk. I am attending Purdue University remotely and will obtain my MSEd in Applied Behavior Analytics (ABA) in May 2024.

Previously, I worked in conducting ABA therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As an undergraduate, I also worked as an Engineering Technician, where I automated test procedures and designed automation programs.

I enjoy cycling, creating art, exploring nature, and cooking food from around the world.

BSc. Psychology – Tulane University.

Email: ADuhe [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a research assistant in Dr. Duan’s lab, which I joined after graduating from undergrad in 2023. I am interested in all kinds of research being done with induced pluripotent stem cells so I am excited to be working here.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and being active through sports. My fiancé and I have recently gotten into rock climbing and I am trying to convince him to go roller blading with me.

BSc. Biology – Wittenberg University.

Email: LMoorman [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a research assistant in Dr. Duan’s lab. I started here after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2023. I am interested in researching neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia so I am excited to be working on projects that center around these disorders.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking and doing outdoor activities. I also love to cook and enjoy trying new recipes, as well as exploring all the great restaurants in Chicago!

BSC. Molecular and Cellular Biology – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Email: AMcCarroll [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a research assistant in Dr. Duan’s lab, where I will be working as a member of the MiNND project. My previous research experience and interests involve electrophysiology and increasing functionality within the CRISPR-Cas12a system.

Outside of the lab, I am a diehard Chicao sports fan, enjoy playing and listening to music, and trying new restaurants in the city.

MSc. Neuroscience – Tulane University.
BSc. Neuroscience – Tulane University

Email: DSirkin [at] northshore [dot] org

I am the Bioinformatician for the Genomic Health Initiative, one of the ongoing research projects at CPG. I joined Dr. Sanders’ group in 2021 after earning my Masters in Bioinformatics from Loyola University Chicago.

I am very passionate about research and healthcare, and I am most interested in human genetics, data analytics, and precision medicine. Currently, I am on a few different projects where I perform quality control and various analyses of LPWGS and imputation data and identify pathogenic variants to be returned to study participants with the goal of helping NorthShore patients better understand the genetics underlying their disease risk.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and exploring the city of Chicago!

MSc. Bioinformatics – Loyola University Chicago.

Email: amulford [at] northshore [dot] org

I am currently the Research Coordinator for the All of Us Research Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem, and I have been since January of 2022. I also cooperate with Dr. Alan Sanders and Dr. Jubao Duan at the CPG on the Genomic Health Initiative as well as another study which explores genetic risks for neurodegenerative diseases called iBoND.

My background in biomedical sciences gives me a practical context for the studies which I oversee, and allows me to see the broader picture of how useful biomedical research is in the modern world.

Other than professional interests, I have a deep curiosity and interest in all things true crime – I even once considered becoming a criminal defense attorney!

MSc. Biomedical Sciences – Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
BSc. Biology – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Email: driccione [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a Research Assistant for the All of Us Research Program. I started working for Dr. Sanders in March, 2022. I am also a graduate student studying Individualized Health and Genomics at Johns Hopkins University (online).

I enjoy training for 5Ks and spending time with my husband and my Miniature Australian Shepherd.

BS. Biology – Benedictine University
MSc. Individualized Health and Genomics – Johns Hopkins University

Email: khulen [at] northshore [dot] org

I’m a Research Assistant for the All of Us Research Program and I am also currently on track to get my MSc degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I like working for the All of Us Research Program because I truly believe healthcare should be inclusive, and I’m all for delivering precision medicine.

I like traveling to warm places, most especially tropical countries.

Email: cadriatico [at] northshore [dot] org

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development from DePaul University. I joined the All of Us team because I have always been interested in learning about and helping people, both personally and scientifically.

Creating is also a passion of mine, so prior to becoming a Research Assistant, I taught 5^th grade English on the West  Side of Chicago in an effort to continue helping others, while allowing myself to continue in being creative. A few years from now, I hope to use all my experiences, along with all that I have learned, to obtain my Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and become a Forensic Psychologist.

Email: esoto [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a postdoctoral fellow at Dr. Duan’s lab. My research is focused on studying genes, which play a crucial role in developing Alzheimer’s disease and Schizophrenia. I use human induced pluripotent stem cells as a model for my research.

Outside work, I do astrology and mantra meditation and enjoy reading!

BSc. Biochemistry – Moscow State University
PhD. Biological Sciences – University of Illinois Chicago

Email: akozlova [at] northshore [dot] org

I joined Dr. Duan’s group at the end of 2021 to learn iPSC, brain organoids, and genomic editing technologies. I am currently working on  Alzheimer’s Disease-related projects, but I also keep a strong interest in various other brain disorders, such as HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disease (HAND), Depression, and Drug Addiction. I always imagine that one day we can treat these diseases as easily as treating a cold.

Besides my work, I like hiking, reading, and watching freestyle fights.

Here’s my bibliography

Email: xzhao2 [at] northshore [dot] org

I am a postdoc in Dr. Duan’s lab! Alzheimer’s has always been something I’ve wanted to research, and I now have the opportunity. I did my undergraduate (BHSc honours in human genetics) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. I then went on to do my PhD in Physiology, focusing on neuroscience in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, at University College Cork, Ireland.

I am from South Africa, and this is my first time in America and Chicago – I love exploring new places and going on hikes, especially as an amateur landscape photographer, so I’m looking forward to doing lots of that when I’m not in the lab!

BHSc. (Honours) Human Genetics – University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

I joined Dr. Duan’s group at the CPG in the middle of 2023. In my current research, I use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to grow cerebral brain organoids to study patient-derived genetic mutations associated with schizophrenia. These organoids are used to investigate the effects of genetic mutations on neurodevelopment and neuronal function. My previous research involved investigating potassium channels associated with epilepsy and neurological developmental delays to understand their impact on synaptic function in neurons.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending my time with my spouse and two young children, going out in nature or to museums and zoos.

BSc. Biology – Northeastern Illinois University

I am a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Human Genetics at UChicago, and I am interested in psychiatric and behavioral genetics.

I joined Dr. Duan’s group at CPG in 2022, and I study rare protein-coding variants associated with psychiatric disorders using hiPSC-based models.

Outside the lab, I spend as much time with my wife and son as possible. I also enjoy improv, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and daydreaming!

MSc. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Neuroscience) – University of Southern California
BSc. Biotechnology and Genetics – Jordan University of Science and Technology

Muhtaseb [at] uchicago [dot] edu